Do you remember Paris Bennett from American Idol? Yeah, neither do we.
Well, the 19 year old was apparently a quick favorite - and a quick send home - in season five (2006). She released her debut album Princess P in 2007.
Now she’s expecting her first child. Her mom says the father doesn’t want to be in the public eye, but Paris has a ring and is planning to have a baby shower in August.
Congrats!
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz originally canceled four tour dates on her summer tour but now, she’s just “postponing” it altogether. Just admit it, you’re canceling because it was underselling. The singer’s publicist has just released a statement saying “After careful consideration, Ashlee Simpson has decided to postpone her summer tour. She is committed to giving her fans the best show possible, and will be back better than ever and ready to rock in the future.” If you consider how bad her new album ‘Bittersweet World’ is selling, don’t expect to see the expecting singer on the road until well after her baby is born – like a few years from now on her next album.
Scarlett Johansson and Alanis Morissette – on the surface, there’s not much that the two have in common. The most obvious answer would be that they’re both singers – Scarlett is just about to go pro with her singing – and that both have dated Ryan Reynolds. In the case of Scarlett, she’s the current girlfriend. But here’s another thing they have in common: Alanis is set to drop her new album ‘Flavors of Entanglement’ on May 20th – the same day that Scarlett is dropping her debut album of Tom Waits covers. If you’re going to ask me, this looks like the makings of a very juicy battle. I bet Ryan would love to referee.
American Idol Season 7 may have more than just David Archuleta as a ‘former star’. It seems that this so-called most talented group since the show’s inception is filled with music industry rejects as several of the contestants this year have already been given a shot at the big time and failed. The show’s rules do not exclude people who have had deals in the past. You just can’t have a current contract.
Carly Smithson has recorded for MCA but was dropped when her debut CD didn’t sell. Kristy Lee Cook also signed with Britney Spears’ production company but did not garner success either. What’s with all the rejects? It’s not like Idol guarantees success anyway. *cough*Ruben*cough*Taylor*cough*.
Scarlett Johansson can sing. She’s proven that by singing for the ‘Unexpected Dreams’ charity album back in 2006 and she also made a surprise appearance last April with the Jesus & Mary Chain at Coachella festival. But now, she’s doing her own thing. The actress turned singer’s debut album ‘Anywhere I Lay My Head’ will officially drop on May 20, a Tuesday. The record will be released via Rhino Entertainment’s Atco Records and will feature 10 Tom Waits covers and 1 original track.
The 23-year old spent 5 weeks last spring recording the album in Louisiana. She also has song collaborations on the album with Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ guitarist Nick Zimmer, Celebration’s Sean Antanaitis and TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek, who produced.
Remember the days of couple-led variety shows? Think Donny and Marie. Well, no, they aren’t making a comeback. Get a little more recent and think…..
Sanjaya and Shyamali!
Believe it or not, we are not free from the gripping hair that is Sanjaya. He and his singing sister are currently in talks with MTV to do their own variety show called, surprisingly, The Sanjaya and Shyamali Show. The show will include a mixture of singing, dancing, and comedy. Oh, and don’t forget hairstyling tips!
Besides the television show, those few people who actually liked Sanjaya for his singing will be thrilled to know that he is working on his first cd. He has been working with vocal coach Seth Riggs who has tutored the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Faith Hill.
After so many fashion mishaps in the past year, I almost didn’t believe my eyes when I caught site of Jennifer Hudson. Can you talk about diva? But apart from all her fashion mistakes, you can’t deny that it has been her year. The American Idol alum won several awards for her role in ‘Dreamgirls’ and she also got to ring in 2008 at the Setai Hotel in Miami Beach.
2008 promised to be just as good for the diva that is Miss Hudson. The entertainer is reportedly returning to her roots of singing by releasing her debut album. Wow! She’s already so accomplished yet she’s just now releasing an album. 2007 was definitely great for her!
American Idol’s most recent champion Jordin Sparks’ debut CD is expected to come in at #2 this week, so say some industry projections. She would come in behind Alicia Keys who’s expected to dominate the charts for the entire holiday season.
Jordin’s album is expected to sell between 90,000 to 100,000 on its first week. While the numbers aren’t that bad, those projections would actually make Jordin’s album have the lowest debut for an American Idol winner – ever! Yes, it’s worse than Ruben’s. A lot of runners up sold even more than that in their first week. That has got to hurt.
Leona Lewis’ debut record ‘Spirit’ officially took the #1 spot in the UK albums’ chart this week and it broke records on the way there. Her album because the UK’s fastest-selling debut of all time selling an amazing 375,872 copies!
Leona was up against the Spice Girls, Led Zeppelin and Celine Dion. She actually beat the #2 Spice Girls by over 300,000 copies. Wow! Leona’s current single ‘Bleeding Love’ is #1 on the singles’ chart for the fourth consecutive week, seeling a total of 563,702 copies.
Leona’s album ‘Spirit’ is now scheduled for release in the US on March 18th.
There is another military man attempting to reach heights in the world of music, and he is Beautiful. Jay Picton is a physical trainer in the Navy, sporting rugged good looks and a promising music career. His single, Unexplainable Reason, has already topped an independent online chart, and he has hopes it will breakthrough to the regular pop charts in the not too distant future.
He claims to have hit the music business by accident. After a knee injury put him on sick leave he began to learn the guitar and write his own songs. Meeting his girlfriend then gave him the opportunity he needed; introducing him to Clyde Ward of Worldwide Productions. Clyde has worked with many great acts including Lionel Richie; whom our budding star has now recorded 3 songs with.
Yes girls, he does have a girlfriend (sigh); but just look at that picture. Isn’t he gorge? Keep those ears peeled for Jay Picton on your radio; if his voice matches his looks he is definitely on for a winner.
It just goes to show that you can never be too young to be successful. The Jonas Brothers’ debut disc, ‘Jonas Brothers’ under Hollywood Records has now officially gone gold by selling over 500,000 copies.
15-year old Nick, 18-year old Joe and 20-year old Kevin are definitely headed for the big time as they’re now appearing with big time artists and even performing on big time shows. On Tuesday, the pop rock group of brothers joined Alicia Keys on TRL. And come Sunday, November 18, the rest of the world can see them perform at the 2007 American Music Awards.